German Pilots Couldn't Believe B-17s With 16 Guns — Until These "Flying Fortresses" Fell Behind

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November 2, 2025
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WW2 Records
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German Pilots Couldn't Believe B-17s With 16 Guns — Until These "Flying Fortresses" Fell Behind

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At 11:47 a.m. on May 29th, 1943, Captain James Hartwell climbed into the cockpit of his B7 at RAF Alenbury, watching the ground crew load the last belt of 50 caliber ammunition into the modified bombers's 17th gun position. 26 years old, 42 combat missions, zero experience in what he was about to fly. The YB40 weighed 4,000 lbs more than any flying... Read More

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